CSU Bakersfield vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with Simpson University in Redding, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Simpson University 17:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Simpson University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Bakersfield than Simpson University ($6,489 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 21.1% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($11,900 vs. $15,076).
• Simpson University is 390.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $31,618 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.9% higher at Simpson University than at California State University Bakersfield (about $19,018 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $20,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at California State University Bakersfield (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 100% larger than aid received by California State University Bakersfield students ($25,937 vs. $12,966).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or Simpson University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Simpson University and CSU Bakersfield.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSimpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSimpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• CSU Bakersfield has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Simpson University (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at CSU Bakersfield vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Simpson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Simpson University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Simpson University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than California State University Bakersfield's (41%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Simpson University graduates ($13,168 vs. $16,668).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson University graduates ($136 vs. $172).
• More Simpson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU Bakersfield students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.